Electric News Releases

Dominion Virginia Power’s Energyshare Program Begins 19th Year of Heating Assistance

RICHMOND, Va. -- Riding on the heels of a record-setting contributions year and unveiling a new campaign theme, EnergyShare, Dominion Virginia Power’s fuel assistance program, begins Monday its 19th year of helping those in need heat their homes.

EnergyShare is designed to help individuals and families heat their homes by providing one-time financial aid after all state and federal assistance has been used. Dominion Virginia Power works with state, local and private social agencies to determine eligibility. Every dollar contributed to the fund goes to pay heating bills regardless of the type of heat used. To apply for assistance, call 1-888-667-3000 for the nearest screening agency.

Last winter, EnergyShare raised more than $1.4 million – a record amount and 13 percent more than the previous year. The funds helped 6,699 households, including 2,527 children under age five, 1,284 senior citizens and 2,469 disabled persons.

More than 1,200 applications for assistance had to be turned down despite the increase in contributions.

To help illustrate how important EnergyShare is to those in need, the program’s new campaign theme this year is: “Imagine waking up in your house knowing exactly how cold it is outside.”

“The need is evident and continues to grow,” said Edgar M. Roach Jr., chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power. "The 13-percent increase in donations shows that our contributors have a strong and growing commitment to help our most vulnerable citizens keep their homes warm in the winter.”

The program is supported by donations from Dominion Virginia Power customers and employees, and EnergyShare Partners such as businesses, churches and civic or other organizations. Local health and social service agencies in the company’s service area distribute the funds.

To qualify for EnergyShare assistance, a person must live in the Dominion Virginia Power service area and be in danger of losing an important source of heat. A recipient must have a household income no higher than one-half of the local median income level, be unemployed or demonstrate a personal or family crisis. To ensure the widest possible distribution of EnergyShare assistance, persons eligible can receive only one payment of up to $500 per heating season.

Customers can contribute easily to EnergyShare by adding an extra $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $25 or $35 monthly to Dominion Virginia Power bills. Contributions may also be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 12083, Richmond, Va. 23241-0083. All contributions are tax deductible.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion, one of the nation’s largest producers of energy. Dominion serves 3.8 million retail natural gas and electric customers. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.

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